Securitization and Discrimination

Abstract

The optimistic and pessimistic scenarios sketched out in the previous chapter differ widely in their evaluation of the effects of securitization on immigration and integration governance. The former focuses on discrimination as the main result of securitization, but forecasts that immigrants and minority groups can achieve integration despite facing prejudice and socioeconomic inequalities. The latter also assumes that security-driven measures increase discrimination, which leads to disintegration and potential radicalization. Neither of these scenarios, however, is explicit about the nature and scope of discrimination. The current debate among policymakers and scholars therefore raises more questions than it answers.